On April 7, 2014, I was sworn in as the interim City Councilmember for District 2 to serve the remaining eight months of Mayor Kevin Faulconer’s council term. I was one of 17 individuals considered by the City Council for this appointment, and I am honored and humbled having been selected.

For the past 25 years, I have served as a city of San Diego lifeguard. As a lifeguard, I’m an observer and a listener. My eyes are constantly scanning the beach and the water, and it’s the beachgoers who tell me what’s going on which often informs my actions. I’m taking this listening approach to my new job at City Hall.

Since last month, I’ve been meeting with constituents to hear what’s on their minds, what’s working well in their neighborhoods and what isn’t. I’ve been hearing a lot and learning a lot. Many residents in the Morena District need height limitations on new development to help combat density issues. Midway District business owners need additional support to address homeless issues. Parents walking their kids to school need increased pedestrian safeguards. Point Lomans need representation regarding airplane issues. Bike commuters need road improvements to ensure their safety.

What can I accomplish in eight short months? Well, it’s my hope to take a page from City Council President Todd Gloria, who stepped in as interim mayor last fall and accomplished so much in just 184 days. From now until December, my focus will be on increased public safety, infrastructure improvements and maintaining neighborhood character. I have been appointed to serve on four of the city’s seven committees: Audit; Environment; Public Safety and Livable Neighborhoods; and Economic Development and Intergovernmental Relations. I look forward to working with my council colleagues in shaping policy that protects our way of life in San Diego and provides the city a greater return on investment for each taxpayer dollar spent.

I welcome and need your input on how we can make our District 2 neighborhoods the best they can be. To that end, please email me your concerns and ideas at edharris@sandiego.gov, or call my office at (619) 236-6622. I appreciate the opportunity to represent you in the coming months.